Let them eat headsets —

Microsoft: Xbox One will include a headset after all

Also, play without controller batteries by using a USB cable.

Remember a few weeks ago when Microsoft caused a minor stir by saying that the Xbox One wouldn't include a headset out of the box? Turns out that's not the case anymore. Like so muchelse regarding the system, Microsoft has reversed its position and decided to include a headset with the Xbox One after all.

Xbox Community Manager Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb showed off the included headset in an unboxing video for one of the first production units of the system. That video, posted today, shows the unboxing for the limited "Day One" edition of the system, which is already completely sold out. Microsoft has confirmed that all systems will include the standard headset: a 44 gram padded earpiece with a bendable, rotating boom mic that allows it to be used in either ear.

Microsoft is also using the unboxing to highlight the previously known ability for all Xbox One controllers to plug into the system directly using a standard USB micro cable. When plugged in, the controller's wireless radio will turn off and the controller will actually be powered by the system, eliminating the need for batteries. If you have a play and charge kit, you can also charge the controller as you play through this standard USB connection rather than the proprietary cable used on the Xbox 360.

Microsoft is making a big deal of the HDMI cable it includes, a Category 2 wire rated for 1080p, 3D, and 4K on the HDMI 1.4 spec. The system also upgrades the Xbox 360's current A/B/G/N wireless functions to include dual-band support on 2.4 and 5 Ghz frequencies.

Kyle Orland
Kyle is the Senior Gaming Editor at Ars Technica, specializing in video game hardware and software. He has journalism and computer science degrees from University of Maryland. He is based in the Washington, DC area. Emailkyle.orland@arstechnica.com//Twitter@KyleOrl

115 Reader Comments

I think the problem that everyone has with Microsoft on this console iteration is not specifically that the console sucks (it does). Rather, it's that they have demonstrated themselves throughout the entire release as absolutely and remarkably tone-deaf to what people want. They might fumble and hit the right note when they watch everyone cringe, but that doesn't change the underlying problem in that they have absolutely no idea how to properly target their customer base.

Fans respond well to a willingness to correct mistakes. A graceful mea culpa will ingratiate yourselves with people more than it will hurt your brand. Releasing a marketing video where you casually show a headset that you already stated would not be included, along with prior justification for why said headset would not be included, is not an admission of a mistake. That's a 180. While the change is good and certainly welcome, gamers don't "just" want a headset. They want some culpability on Microsoft's part for designing a system that has soured their Xbox fan experience.

While it might sound like having your cake and eating it too, an admission of wrongdoing is tremendously important for instilling brand loyalty because it says, "Guys, we realize we totally screwed up. We're sorry. We corrected it, we know what we did wrong, and we will strive never to do it again." Nothing Microsoft has done or said has remotely indicated that they think their marketing decisions are a mistake. Rather, their press releases and often snide statements lend fans to think that they still believe their decisions are correct, but that to make a buck they need to cave on some of their principles. It's much like having a politician who says, "Tell me what you want me to say," to the highest bidder. It rings hollow and instills no faith that they will get it right in the future.

After all, coming out and saying, "We will not include a headset with this console," followed by, "Hey look, there's a headset with this console," means you're only 50% right or truthful, and 50% is still failing.

While I'm glad they're actually using a normal USB cable this time round, it still doesn't remove the need for an expensive extra to make your wireless controller chargeable.

$20 rayanoc plus $5 for x4 AA seemed to do the trick. Works great for my Wiimotes and 360 controller. But I do like the PS3 built in power other than never having the ability to recharge while the system is off. And the usb cord included is like 2 feet.

While I'm glad they're actually using a normal USB cable this time round, it still doesn't remove the need for an expensive extra to make your wireless controller chargeable.

Wireless controller meet Sanyo Eneloop 1500. Sanyo Eneloop 1500 meet wireless controller. You two will be best friends from here on out, and since you come in a pack of 4 I'll never have to miss a moment of gaming when a pair of you dies, nor will I ever have to be tied down to a wire when you lose your charge. I love you Sanyo Eneloop 1500, you last longer than the 360 Play & Charge pack and a DualShock 3 on a single charge, what would I do without you.

They just cannot get their message on track. So many bad decisions, and they're going to have to backpedal on each and every one of them. This is actually WORSE than the PS3 launch.

I've got no faith in Microsoft right now, and I say that as someone who owns a 360, a PS3, and a Wii from last gen on top of most consoles from the past seven generations.

So, they reverse their decision in a way that benefit the customer and that somehow makes you have no faith on them.

Surreal.

It's not that they reversed their position to the benefit of customers. That's a good thing. But the growing evidence, of which this reversal is a part, is that MS has no idea what it's doing this release. They just keep stumbling. It's getting painfully embarrassing to watch.

They just cannot get their message on track. So many bad decisions, and they're going to have to backpedal on each and every one of them. This is actually WORSE than the PS3 launch.

I've got no faith in Microsoft right now, and I say that as someone who owns a 360, a PS3, and a Wii from last gen on top of most consoles from the past seven generations.

So, they reverse their decision in a way that benefit the customer and that somehow makes you have no faith on them.

Surreal.

The problem is they've reversed, what, like 10 decisions at this point? All of which were incredibly critically received, and all features that were already included in the announced PS4 initial offerings. It shows how little Microsoft actually understands their userbase, or how much they were trying to sneak by them. Either way it doesn't exactly inspire confidence that they have to deal with a riot to even consider matching the features of the less expensive rival system.

I do admire Microsoft's seeming willingness to consider community opinion and change policy to please their customer. Still it leaves me with a feeling of unease that will probably see me hold off on next gen for 6-12 months.

I do admire Microsoft's seeming willingness to consider community opinion and change policy to please their customer. Still it leaves me with a feeling of unease that will probably see me hold off on next gen for 6-12 months.

Frankly that is how you should feel about either system. Neither the PS4 or Xbox One have compelling launch titles or compelling exclusives. Most of the proven quality on either system is already out on the PC. I'll be waiting a full year to decide myself, and buying an Xbox One controller for PC gamepad use.

So, they reverse their decision in a way that benefit the customer and that somehow makes you have no faith on them.

Surreal.

I have no faith to a company who tried to screw me then do successive quick u-turn when it's evident that people realize their rotten intention? Who's guaranteeing that they would not do another u-turn to try to screw me again when I'm locked and invested to their garden?

So, they reverse their decision in a way that benefit the customer and that somehow makes you have no faith on them.

Surreal.

I have no faith to a company who tried to screw me then do successive quick u-turn when it's evident that people realize their rotten intention? Who's guaranteeing that they would not do another u-turn to try to screw me again when I'm locked and invested to their garden?

I suppose this wasn't really a "quick" u-turn, but it was a u-turn nonetheless that people seem to have forgotten. Microsoft's DRM, on the other hand, worked the same or got better (with the activation consolidation tool) for the user throughout the XBox 360 generation.

While I'm glad they're actually using a normal USB cable this time round, it still doesn't remove the need for an expensive extra to make your wireless controller chargeable.

USB cables are expensive? Here is one for $2.70 from Monoprice. Is that too expensive for you?

Why on Earth is this comment an Editor's pick?

He was not referring to the USB cable, but the play and charge kit, which is necessary to make it chargeable.

So let me get this straight,

The xbox one controller comes with AA batteries (like most other systems except the PS3), and there is an expectation that the charge kit cost less than it did for the 360? Or am I missing something? Because I already own a battery recharger for my AA batteries, and while it isn't quite the same, it is overall in the same ballpark of cost.

I think if we wait another 3 weeks Microsoft will reverse its position on proprietary headset connections. Thats a bigger deal to me than including a cheapish headset with the system.

Regarding that HDMI cable...Don't basically all HDMI cables that you can pick up for a couple of bucks support those functions? Why is that a big deal?

I've never really looked into HDMI specs but I know the cheap wires I bought so far have supported 1080P and 3D functions.

I suspect the average customer buys their HDMI cable at Best Buy when they buy the device they need it to connect. Not at Monoprice. So, probably more than a few bucks. In any case, I think it's decent of a company to include in the box everything you need to set up the stuff in the box. If required components are missing, that's not a good user experience. And given the actual cost to Microsoft of including the cable, leaving it out would just be a jerk move that saved them very little.

While I'm glad they're actually using a normal USB cable this time round, it still doesn't remove the need for an expensive extra to make your wireless controller chargeable.

USB cables are expensive? Here is one for $2.70 from Monoprice. Is that too expensive for you?

Why on Earth is this comment an Editor's pick?

He was not referring to the USB cable, but the play and charge kit, which is necessary to make it chargeable.

Personally I prefer my LSD Ni-MH batteries, honestly. People can gripe and moan all they want, but, seriously, I have a hot spare set and a nice charger and it cost less than two charge and play kits would... or two controllers for the PS3, since I can't swap batteries/charge kits in those. Last I checked, our charging station for our PS3 didn't come free, and it also isn't the same thing as a swappable battery.

And they work in everything else that takes AAs. Whatever runs out of charge, the spare set goes in, the old set gets charged. They're not even that expensive.

It's like people have their heads in the sand regarding modern LSD Ni-MH performance or something. I leave mine in the controller for weeks and they're still at basically where I left them, and while I've never tried to time how long their runtime is in the controller, it's (perceptually) no worse than any alkalines I've used.

And my eneloops will keep working in the XBox One controller too (if/when I get one... honestly I use my 360 controller as much with my PC as with my 360, so who knows!). Best backwards compatibility ever?

While I'm glad they're actually using a normal USB cable this time round, it still doesn't remove the need for an expensive extra to make your wireless controller chargeable.

USB cables are expensive? Here is one for $2.70 from Monoprice. Is that too expensive for you?

Why on Earth is this comment an Editor's pick?

He was not referring to the USB cable, but the play and charge kit, which is necessary to make it chargeable.

Personally I prefer my LSD Ni-MH batteries, honestly. People can gripe and moan all they want, but, seriously, I have a hot spare set and a nice charger and it cost less than two charge and play kits would... or two controllers for the PS3, since I can't swap batteries/charge kits in those. Last I checked, our charging station for our PS3 didn't come free, and it also isn't the same thing as a swappable battery.

And they work in everything else that takes AAs. Whatever runs out of charge, the spare set goes in, the old set gets charged. They're not even that expensive.

It's like people have their heads in the sand regarding modern LSD Ni-MH performance or something. I leave mine in the controller for weeks and they're still at basically where I left them, and while I've never tried to time how long their runtime is in the controller, it's (perceptually) no worse than any alkalines I've used.

And my eneloops will keep working in the XBox One controller too (if/when I get one... honestly I use my 360 controller as much with my PC as with my 360, so who knows!). Best backwards compatibility ever?

Yep, I get about 20 hours of real-world gametime with rumble on out of my Sanyo Eneloops, far more than the DualShock 3 or Play & Charge. And it only costs 11 bucks for 4 of them, no need to tie it down to a cable when the charge is gone and will keep its charge sitting for up to a year. People like to belly ache about everything though. It is rather frustrating that gamers are so narrow-minded and even more frustrating that Ars has shown such glaring preference for a certain side, almost fanboyish in nature, rather than just reporting on facts. I don't come here for spin, if I wanted that I'd go to Kotaku/Destructoid/Joystiq.

While I'm glad they're actually using a normal USB cable this time round, it still doesn't remove the need for an expensive extra to make your wireless controller chargeable.

USB cables are expensive? Here is one for $2.70 from Monoprice. Is that too expensive for you?

Why on Earth is this comment an Editor's pick?

He was not referring to the USB cable, but the play and charge kit, which is necessary to make it chargeable.

Personally I prefer my LSD Ni-MH batteries, honestly. People can gripe and moan all they want, but, seriously, I have a hot spare set and a nice charger and it cost less than two charge and play kits would... or two controllers for the PS3, since I can't swap batteries/charge kits in those. Last I checked, our charging station for our PS3 didn't come free, and it also isn't the same thing as a swappable battery.

And they work in everything else that takes AAs. Whatever runs out of charge, the spare set goes in, the old set gets charged. They're not even that expensive.

It's like people have their heads in the sand regarding modern LSD Ni-MH performance or something. I leave mine in the controller for weeks and they're still at basically where I left them, and while I've never tried to time how long their runtime is in the controller, it's (perceptually) no worse than any alkalines I've used.

And my eneloops will keep working in the XBox One controller too (if/when I get one... honestly I use my 360 controller as much with my PC as with my 360, so who knows!). Best backwards compatibility ever?

Because it's Microsoft and the Ars Proletariat must criticize and demonize them at every opportunity.

I think if we wait another 3 weeks Microsoft will reverse its position on proprietary headset connections. Thats a bigger deal to me than including a cheapish headset with the system.

Regarding that HDMI cable...Don't basically all HDMI cables that you can pick up for a couple of bucks support those functions? Why is that a big deal?

I've never really looked into HDMI specs but I know the cheap wires I bought so far have supported 1080P and 3D functions.

The HDMI cable is a big deal because all the consoles got slammed last time for NOT including them.. And when Joe-sixpack buys his console at Best Buy they tell him he needs a $90 Monster HDMI cable with Unobtainium plated connectors and he believes them.

While I'm glad they're actually using a normal USB cable this time round, it still doesn't remove the need for an expensive extra to make your wireless controller chargeable.

Because running a 15' cable across my room every single time my DS3 loses charge after not being used for months is so much better than popping in a couple AA batteries and carrying on wirelessly...

I loathe the integrated battery on Sony's controllers. I loathe the 1m charging cable they come with.

If it is one thing MS got right, it is sticking with bog-standard AA batteries.

Batteries is the right thing? Are you kidding me? Microsoft packs in last generation tech with batteries and this is a win? I have dualshocks about five years old that cost about the same as xbox controllers and hold a charge just fine. I'm glad Sony didn't force me to waste money on extra batteries over the years, rechargeable or not.

While I'm glad they're actually using a normal USB cable this time round, it still doesn't remove the need for an expensive extra to make your wireless controller chargeable.

Because running a 15' cable across my room every single time my DS3 loses charge after not being used for months is so much better than popping in a couple AA batteries and carrying on wirelessly...

I loathe the integrated battery on Sony's controllers. I loathe the 1m charging cable they come with.

If it is one thing MS got right, it is sticking with bog-standard AA batteries.

Batteries is the right thing? Are you kidding me? Microsoft packs in last generation tech with batteries and this is a win? I have dualshocks about five years old that cost about the same as xbox controllers and hold a charge just fine. I'm glad Sony didn't force me to waste money on extra batteries over the years, rechargeable or not.

I prefer swapable batteries, too. I've had the same battery charger since the late 90s. When my controller dies, I just pop out the battery pack and pop in a fresh set of batteries and I'm back up and running, still wireless.

Each setup has it's plusses and minuses. But for me, the cable is a minus. Hell, I even have multiple play and charge kits for the 360 that I don't use because I prefer swapping the batteries.

How many more things are they going to change their mind about in regard to this system?

Like to point out that since the announcement at E3, there was a reorganization of the executives, including a new head of hardware division that oversees Xbox. From what I've seen, I personally like what Julie Larson-Green has been doing. And, I am pretty sure there will be more changes.

Regarding that HDMI cable...Don't basically all HDMI cables that you can pick up for a couple of bucks support those functions? Why is that a big deal?

I've never really looked into HDMI specs but I know the cheap wires I bought so far have supported 1080P and 3D functions.

No... older and cheaper cables might only support the 1.2 or 1.3 specs. That being said if you buy you're cables at a respectable place like Monoprice, you usually won't have problems.

Specifically, if theses new boxes are capable of using ethernet, and you plan on using it, you will have a problem. If you have plans to use 4k, you MAY have a problem. Otherwise, you'll be fine with the cables you already have (referring to ironicending).

from hdmi.orgWill any of the new HDMI 1.4 features require a new cable?The HDMI Ethernet Channel feature will require a new cable that supports this functionality, either a Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet or a High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet, depending on the maximum resolution to be supported. The Automotive Connection System will also employ a new class of cable, the Standard Automotive HDMI cable, which is designed specifically for automotive use. All of the other new HDMI 1.4 features will be compatible with the existing categories of cables.

I think the problem that everyone has with Microsoft on this console iteration is not specifically that the console sucks (it does). Rather, it's that they have demonstrated themselves throughout the entire release as absolutely and remarkably tone-deaf to what people want. They might fumble and hit the right note when they watch everyone cringe, but that doesn't change the underlying problem in that they have absolutely no idea how to properly target their customer base.

Fans respond well to a willingness to correct mistakes. A graceful mea culpa will ingratiate yourselves with people more than it will hurt your brand. Releasing a marketing video where you casually show a headset that you already stated would not be included, along with prior justification for why said headset would not be included, is not an admission of a mistake. That's a 180. While the change is good and certainly welcome, gamers don't "just" want a headset. They want some culpability on Microsoft's part for designing a system that has soured their Xbox fan experience.

While it might sound like having your cake and eating it too, an admission of wrongdoing is tremendously important for instilling brand loyalty because it says, "Guys, we realize we totally screwed up. We're sorry. We corrected it, we know what we did wrong, and we will strive never to do it again." Nothing Microsoft has done or said has remotely indicated that they think their marketing decisions are a mistake. Rather, their press releases and often snide statements lend fans to think that they still believe their decisions are correct, but that to make a buck they need to cave on some of their principles. It's much like having a politician who says, "Tell me what you want me to say," to the highest bidder. It rings hollow and instills no faith that they will get it right in the future.

After all, coming out and saying, "We will not include a headset with this console," followed by, "Hey look, there's a headset with this console," means you're only 50% right or truthful, and 50% is still failing.

So you're upset that your personal brand loyalty to Microsoft has been shaken? Or you just like to critique giant corporations' marketing strategies? Or you already have a dislike of Microsoft for some other reason and are using this angle as a way to criticize them, even though it doesn't actually affect anyone in a negative way?

The problem is they've reversed, what, like 10 decisions at this point? All of which were incredibly critically received, and all features that were already included in the announced PS4 initial offerings. It shows how little Microsoft actually understands their userbase, or how much they were trying to sneak by them. Either way it doesn't exactly inspire confidence that they have to deal with a riot to even consider matching the features of the less expensive rival system.

Again, so what. One the console isn't out yet. Two they are responding to the community. For the positive. Its not like the PS3 where Sony removed a feature or two with nearly every revision. Remember the PS3 that was shown during E3 before its release with all the USB ports etc? And then year after year they removed one feature after another in order to reduce cost.

Here just the opposite is happening.

"No used games" (well not really but you get my drift), the crowd is displeased. Microsoft changes the plan"No headset included" the crowd is displeased. Microsoft puts it in the box."You require an internet connection all the time" the crowd is displeased. Microsoft changes it.

Seriously how can people not like this? They are updating for the consumers.

How do you lose respect for a company that is DIRECTLY responding to the consumers, in a GOOD way? I'm not sure I understand that. Would you have more respect for them if they said "hey fuck you consumers we know what is good for you"?

Batteries is the right thing? Are you kidding me? Microsoft packs in last generation tech with batteries and this is a win? I have dualshocks about five years old that cost about the same as xbox controllers and hold a charge just fine. I'm glad Sony didn't force me to waste money on extra batteries over the years, rechargeable or not.

I on the otherhand have gone thru three PS3 controllers that no longer hold a charge. Meanwhile the first Xbox 360 controller I got with my Day 1 360 is still working just fine, all I do is change batteries. Wanna guess which one has cost me more to date?

Batteries is the right thing? Are you kidding me? Microsoft packs in last generation tech with batteries and this is a win? I have dualshocks about five years old that cost about the same as xbox controllers and hold a charge just fine. I'm glad Sony didn't force me to waste money on extra batteries over the years, rechargeable or not.

I on the otherhand have gone thru three PS3 controllers that no longer hold a charge. Meanwhile the first Xbox 360 controller I got with my Day 1 360 is still working just fine, all I do is change batteries. Wanna guess which one has cost me more to date?

....I do think a lot of the "hate" is simply because its Microsoft....

You're damn right it is. John Carmack said it best during Quakecon with his witch hunt comment. MS can't do right with some people no matter what they do. MS makes what's perceived by the masses to be a bad decision, people complain about it. MS changes their stance to appease the people, they complain about it. They're in a no-win with quite a few out there.

I know being critical of Xbox = downvotes on this site lately but it's definitely been a rollercoaster of a console reveal. I'm sure there's plenty of forward thinking and talented people on the Xbox team but their entire vision for the console's future was such a joke that it's been completely thrown out. Considering the recent departure in leadership I have a feeling that vision was coming from top-down. So they came dangerously close to throwing the entire brand away, they have no real leadership, and their PR department looks like a bunch of assholes after all the desparate post-e3 damage control. That's where all the harsh criticism is coming from.

So sure, this is a good move at the end of the day. But the thing is still less powerful than PS4, saddled with Kinect, and more expensive than PS4. So after an entire generation where the Xbox platform enjoyed superior ports of 99% of 3rd party titles; this new system technically shouldn't have any superior ports and their competition is signficantly cheaper. Kinect is a problem for this console. It was supposed to provide the functionality of the headset but it's obviously not suitable so now we have a headset and still have to pay for Kinect. They need to ditch it. They've already dropped it from their games. If it's really useful for media/UI they should roll that into its own product and price it accordingly and it would sell itself. It won't take off if it's attached to Xbox.

The only reason to get an Xbox One is for a must-have exclusive (subjective) or if you really enjoy speaking with your home electronics. Any other defense of the console is just noise and silly console allegiance flag waving to me.

So, they reverse their decision in a way that benefit the customer and that somehow makes you have no faith on them.

Surreal.

I have no faith to a company who tried to screw me then do successive quick u-turn when it's evident that people realize their rotten intention? Who's guaranteeing that they would not do another u-turn to try to screw me again when I'm locked and invested to their garden?

How did they try to screw you? They told you what they where doing and if you did not like the policies or what was offered you could always not buy it.

But, hey I want in. Microsoft screwed me. I was told that the system would always be online which is a feature I like but they took it away. They told me I did not have to get up to change my game and they had some ideas for really innovative sharing with treating all games as digital downloads. But, they screwed me.

So sure, this is a good move at the end of the day. But the thing is still less powerful than PS4, saddled with Kinect, and more expensive than PS4. So after an entire generation where the Xbox platform enjoyed superior ports of 99% of 3rd party titles; this new system technically shouldn't have any superior ports and their competition is signficantly cheaper. Kinect is a problem for this console. It was supposed to provide the functionality of the headset but it's obviously not suitable so now we have a headset and still have to pay for Kinect. They need to ditch it. They've already dropped it from their games. If it's really useful for media/UI they should roll that into its own product and price it accordingly and it would sell itself. It won't take off if it's attached to Xbox.

The only reason to get an Xbox One is for a must-have exclusive (subjective) or if you really enjoy speaking with your home electronics. Any other defense of the console is just noise and silly console allegiance flag waving to me.

Comments like this along with the sales data makes me wonder why companies even bother trying new things. People don't want new they want what they already have. They bitch either way but at least doing the same wont cost you sales.

So sure, this is a good move at the end of the day. But the thing is still less powerful than PS4, saddled with Kinect, and more expensive than PS4. So after an entire generation where the Xbox platform enjoyed superior ports of 99% of 3rd party titles; this new system technically shouldn't have any superior ports and their competition is signficantly cheaper. Kinect is a problem for this console. It was supposed to provide the functionality of the headset but it's obviously not suitable so now we have a headset and still have to pay for Kinect. They need to ditch it. They've already dropped it from their games. If it's really useful for media/UI they should roll that into its own product and price it accordingly and it would sell itself. It won't take off if it's attached to Xbox.

The only reason to get an Xbox One is for a must-have exclusive (subjective) or if you really enjoy speaking with your home electronics. Any other defense of the console is just noise and silly console allegiance flag waving to me.

Comments like this along with the sales data makes me wonder why companies even bother trying new things. People don't want new they want what they already have. They bitch either way but at least doing the same wont cost you sales.

I don't think they're really trying anything "new" though. Their initial plan was laughably anti-consumer and with Kinect they've invested heavily into the technology but it's just not useful for games so they're trying to provide some new value. But to be honest if that value isn't really related to games I don't see why it should be attached to a games console.

To be honest I would see more value in really slick media control through smartglass and not Kinect. Manage all your Live interactions, and souped up TV controls that expand on what Wii U tried would be a better value and much more useful than Kinect's proposition. I honestly think all the console makers should develop robust smartphone companion apps.